PAR@ ` 3TEXT ` %Ferguson, Elizabeth Graeme1737╨1801writerBorn in Philadelphia on February 3, 1737, Elizabeth Graeme grew up in a wealthy and influential family at a country estate, Graeme Park, outside the city. About 1757 she became engaged to William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, but the opposition of both families to such a marriage, along with William╒s absence in London with his father, ended the matter. During 1764╨1765 she was in London, where she met several leading literary and scientific figures. Her mother╒s death in the latter year left her the mistress of Graeme Park, and she soon established something like a literary salon. Her translation of FÄnelon╒s TÄlÄmaque, made while she was recovering from her broken engagement, circulated in manuscript and gave her a certain literary reputation of her own. Other writings of the period included a metrical version of the Psalms, a wide and lively correspondence, and a remarkable journal. Virtually none of her writings were published in her lifetime. In April 1772 Graeme married Henry H. Ferguson, who, however, spent much of his time in England while she remained at Graeme Park, which she inherited later that year on the death of her father. In the Revolution her husband was a Loyalist, while she gave mild support to the Whig cause. In October 1777 he prevailed upon her to carry from the Reverend Jacob DuchÄ, formerly chaplain of the Continental Congress but later a Loyalist, to General George Washington a letter urging Washington to surrender. Washington chided her for her part in the episode. The next year Governor George Johnstone, a British peace commissioner, persuaded her to carry to Joseph Reed, Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress and an aide to Washington, an offer of 10,000 guineas for help in obtaining peace terms advantageous to Britain. Reed╒s reply became famous: ╥He was not worth purchasing, but such as he was, the King of Great Britain was not rich enough to do it.╙ Ferguson╒s part, that of compliant go-between, caused her trouble nonetheless. Her husband had already been attainted and proscribed, and late in the war Graeme Park was confiscated. It was restored to her in 1781, but she lost it through financial reverses in 1791. Her last years were difficult. She died near Graeme Park on February 23, 1801. «styl ` ! ¬ 5¬ % 5¬ - !I á !I ¬ !I ² 5¬ ■ !I link `
